Granting

PLJV/ConocoPhillips Grants

The Playa Lakes Joint Venture announces the availability of funding for projects which address the PLJV mission within the Joint Venture's boundaries. The PLJV supports and promotes habitat conservation for wintering, migrating and breeding birds that occur on playa lakes, saline lakes, marshes, riparian areas and associated uplands in portions of Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.

A limited amount of funding is available annually for project proposals in three categories: habitat conservation, research and education/outreach that address the stated PLJV priorities for each (see below). Funding is limited to no more than $25,000 per project per year. Proposals need to indicate a minimum of a 1:1 match, with preference given to projects with higher levels of matching funds. Awarded funds are available on a reimbursement basis only and must be spent by Dec. 31, 2012, although extensions may be granted upon request. If approved, progress reports must be submitted biannually (June 1 and Dec. 31) until project completion when a final report is required. Proposals will first be reviewed at the state level, after which they will be reviewed by the PLJV ConocoPhillips proposal review team. This team composed of representatives from the Management Board, staff and the Science Advisory team will review and rank proposals. The team will present recommendations to the PLJV Management Board, which makes funding decisions at its winter meeting January, 2011.

To submit an application to the PLJV, request the Proposal Instructions from the PLJV staff, prepare the proposal, and send an electronic copy (MS Word) to the appropriate state representative by November 15. Early submission allows your representative time to review the proposal, suggest modifications if needed, and acquire state-level approval. Your state representative will then submit your proposal by December 15 to the PLJV staff for distribution to the Review team. Late proposals, or proposals that do not follow guidelines, will NOT be accepted — no exceptions! Applicants will be notified of funding decisions shortly after the winter Management Board meeting.

Proposal Instructions, Report Form and State Rep. Info:

For Habitat Projects:

For Education/Outreach Projects:

For Research Projects:

State Capacity Grants

The PLJV Capacity Grant Program was initiated in 2002 to provide member states additional resources to deliver habitat conservation projects that address PLJV priorities. The grants are intended to increase the ongoing capacity of states to develop and deliver habitat projects, rather than directly support habitat, research, and/or education/outreach projects. PLJV encourages grantees to identify bottlenecks in habitat delivery within their state and think about projects/programs that remove or lessen these bottlenecks. Successful state capacity grants result in sustainable local conservation partnerships that implement projects contributing to PLJV habitat objectives. Our intent is to support groups to get them “on their feet” and then move on to other groups also needing help. Therefore Capacity Grants are “venture capital” in nature and are given to groups/organizations showing promise but needing financial help to move beyond current capabilities. Capacity Grants may be given to the same organization for the same project in consecutive years. However, we do not expect to support organizations beyond approximately 6 years unless a new type of capacity project is built or capacity is delivered to a new area of the state.

Grants are awarded on an annual basis and proposals are due from states Dec. 15, 2010. Please contact Christopher Rustay for a Capacity Grant Request for Proposals (RFP).

Proposal development process: Consult with your PLJV state Management Board (MB) representative on your idea for a grant and include Christopher Rustay and Mike Carter on those discussions. Once the state MB representative approves the idea and agrees that you are an appropriate grantee, develop the proposal. Review the fully developed proposal with your Management Board state representative and copy PLJV on those discussions as well. If you have any questions about the RFP guidelines, please feel free to call Christopher Rustay (505) 243-0737 or Mike Carter (303) 926-0777.

North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) Grants

NAWCA grants provide federal funding in the form of matching grants for projects that support long-term wetlands acquisition, restoration, and/or enhancement that benefits migratory birds in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. There are two programs: Standard Grants and Small Grants. For Standard Grants, up to $1 million is available for each proposed project, and application deadlines are twice per year in March and July. For Small Grants, up to $75,000 is available and the application deadline is Oct. 28, 2010.

The PLJV reviews and ranks all proposed NAWCA projects submitted within its boundaries and prospective applicants must notify the PLJV well in advance of submitting a proposal.